Philadelphia commuter rail workers go on strike

PHILADELPHIA -- Four hundred workers at a Philadelphia-area regional rail system went on strike Saturday morning, shutting down 13 train lines that carry commuters to the suburbs and Philadelphia International Airport.

The strike began after negotiations between the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and two unions failed to reach a new contract deal. Subways, trolleys and buses operated by SEPTA will continue to run.

The transit agency said that its offer to keep a previously announced wage increase in effect during an extended two-week cooling off period was rejected by the unions.

"Asking for extension in time, without any movement toward closure is really pointless. It would be an extension for the sake of extension," said Stephen Bruno, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

Bruno said that there were no discussions in Friday's negotiations regarding "the actual issues in dispute." He said they are seeking raises of at least 14.5 percent over five years — or about 3 percentage points more than SEPTA has offered.

The last regional rail strike, in 1983, lasted more than three months.

Workers, employers and travelers in the Philadelphia area were making contingency plans to deal with the rail strike that could add to the region's summer transportation woes if it continues into the work week.

The strike will affect hospital, airport and retail workers, although the full effect would not be felt until Monday's rush hour.

Philadelphia International Airport was trying to help employees and travelers make contingency plans, including bus options and carpools.

"We can't foresee who needs what assistance, but we certainly have reached out to people," spokeswoman Victoria Lupica said. "We're certainly hoping that everything is resolved and there isn't a strike."

The labor conflict came to a head this week after SEPTA announced it would impose a deal beginning Sunday. Terms include raising electrical workers' pay immediately by an average of about US$3 per hour; the top wage rate for locomotive engineers would rise by US$2.64 per hour.

Gov. Tom Corbett is counting on negotiators to reach an agreement and keep the trains running, spokesman Jay Pagni said.

President Obama could also appoint a Presidential Emergency Board to intervene in the negotiations and prevent a strike for up to 240 days.

SEPTA, meanwhile, is planning to have extra subway cars and trolleys in service.

The strike adds to commuting headaches in the region, where major construction projects are making it more difficult than usual to get around.

The lines carrying PATCO commuter trains between Philadelphia and southern New Jersey are being replaced over the Ben Franklin Bridge, affecting not only the train schedule but also car traffic on the busy bridge.